As the first anniversary of the October 29, 2025 general election violence approaches, activists, religious groups, and families of those killed continue to demand answers from the Tanzanian government. A ban on protests and remembrance gatherings has been imposed, but pressure is growing for a national day of remembrance and church-led memorial services. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to designate October 29 as a National Day of Remembrance.
The THRDC's executive director, Onesmo Ole Ngurumwa, stated that the proposed commemoration should acknowledge the suffering of bereaved families, injured people, and those affected by the violence. The coalition's push draws on recommendations made by the Chande Commission, which investigated the violence and urged the government to set aside a special day for national mourning. Ngurumwa emphasized that remembrance should provide an opportunity for national reflection, dialogue, and efforts to address the underlying causes of the violence.
The Chande Commission reported in April 2026 that over 518 people died from unusual causes during the unrest, thousands were injured, and others disappeared in unclear circumstances. The commission's report also recommended that the government promote the preservation of historical records and support affected families. The THRDC has stressed that remembrance must not become a platform for hatred or revenge but should contribute to reconciliation founded on truth, justice, and accountability.
Religious institutions have proposed marking the anniversary through prayers and special services. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has directed Catholic parishes to hold special Masses on October 29 to pray for and remember those killed, injured, or affected by the violence. The Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) has also urged its member churches to unite in a national day of prayer for families who lost loved ones and for national healing.
However, police have warned against secret meetings intended to mobilize people for criminal activity, citing information about plans to incite violence and damage public infrastructure. The police have warned that they will pursue those suspected of crime. Opposition party Chadema has announced plans to fly its party flags at half-mast in remembrance of those who died.
A second presidential commission of inquiry, chaired by retired Court of Appeal judge Shaban Ally Lila, has completed evidence collection in all districts and is examining its data to identify those who planned, financed, coordinated, or participated in the violence. The commission has 150 days to complete its work and has begun interviewing individuals, including Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS).
For families who lost loved ones, the anniversary is a painful reminder of unresolved questions and what they describe as the absence of meaningful accountability. Relatives say remembrance must be accompanied by credible investigations, answers on missing family members, and action against those found responsible for the killings.
Key points
- The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition has called for a National Day of Remembrance for the victims and events of October 2025.
- A second presidential commission of inquiry has completed evidence collection and is examining data to identify those responsible for the violence.
- Religious institutions are marking the anniversary with prayers and special services.
